Autumn/Winter 2013 Key Colour: Camel

Introduction

Few colours or shades communicate luxury quite like camel. Unlike the eponymous cigarettes, the hue has a timeless, classic air that instantly lifts any look you integrate it into. Striking yet versatile, it’s traditionally associated with strong, powerful outerwear; a bond that is set to be reinforced this season.

Over the years camel has cemented its place within autumn/winter menswear, and for some it is considered as much a part of the seasonal palette as the monochrome we continue to reach for come the cold.

Today we show you how to effortlessly integrate camel into your wardrobe, taking inspiration from the high fashion runways and breaking down the two key considerations for AW13: tailoring and, of course, outerwear…

Camel: On The Runways

Camel was prevalent at all the global fashion weeks as major design houses continued to make the colour a focal point of their collections. Top picks came from industry giants Burberry, Balenciaga and Prada.

Burberry applied the hue to traditional outerwear in the form of both single- and double-breasted overcoats, along with an on trend duffle, with Christopher Bailey also choosing to incorporate a camel crew neck jumper, which combined with black tailoring and a striking red coat to great effect.

Prada chose to go down the outerwear route too – a long overcoat and cropped bomber were particular highlights – whilst Balenciaga went for a statement approach by putting together full tonal camel/beige ensembles:

Key Consideration: Outerwear

Camel has almost become synonymous with outerwear, and here at FashionBeans we have already advocated the shade for both double- and single-breasted overcoats this year. The versatile nature of the hue enables it to combine effortlessly with your existing wardrobe, making it a fantastic alternative to the typical grey, navy or black versions that dominate the seasonal offering.

It’s difficult to get it wrong with a solid camel overcoat, although we need to steer clear of all ‘Del Boy’ associations. Do this by keeping the cut slim and the lines clean for a sophisticated, sharp upgrade to any look, be it smart or casual. Pair with a navy suit or a jeans and jumper combination – the piece transcends formality with ease.

An alternative outerwear option that is currently experiencing a surge in popularity is the duffle. A timeless and practical addition to any capsule wardrobe, the duffle, much like the overcoat, can be worn both casually and formally if you get the cut and style right. For more information on how to wear the duffle coat in a contemporary way, make sure you check out our recent article on the subject.

Other silhouettes to consider in camel this year include on trend bombers, rugged worker coats and classic field jackets – all of which look superb when paired with earth tones and shades of burgundy or navy.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Styles

Reiss Kanye Double Breasted Coat Lapel Camel

Topman Stone Crombie Coat

Acne Garret Wool Overcoat

Faux Fur Hooded Duffle Coat

Uniqlo Men Wool Blended Duffle Coat

Paul Smith Jeans Mens Contrast Collar Tan Brown Field Jacket

Gloverall Monty Wool Duffel Coat

Barbour Grassdale Jacket

New Look Camel Cotton Drawstring Waist Jacket

Asos Bomber Jacket

Hilfiger Denim Field Jacket

55dsl Cord Jacket With Borg Collar

Key Consideration: Tailoring

Along with outerwear, camel tailoring is the other major consideration for AW13. The khaki suit traditionally dominates spring/summer, but it can transition seamlessly into autumn/winter if you opt for heavier, textured fabrics such as wool, tweed, flannel or corduroy.

A camel suit helps break up the monotony of getting dressed for work and is a sure-fire way to stand out whilst maintaining a sense of formality. Similarly, a camel blazer will instantly upgrade your separates collection and current smart-casual ensembles, especially when married with some navy trousers.

This is a concept we’ll explore further in the ‘How To Wear’ section.

Lookbook Inspiration

Key Styles

Topman Camel Plain Skinny Three Piece Suit

Balenciaga Slim-fit Camel Suit

He By Mango Unstructured Cotton Blazer

Topman Peter Werth Camel Blazer

Topman Camel Skinny Suit Jacket

Jaeger Camel Hair Basketweave Jacket

French Connection Machine Gun Stretch Blazer

Balenciaga Slim-fit Camel Suit

Collezione Wool Rich Winter Weight Melton 2 Button Jacket

How To Wear: Camel AW13

Look One: The Camel Overcoat

Dress the camel coat down with simple wardrobe basics for a stylish, off-duty look that reinforces the versatile nature of this timeless piece.

Keep the colour palette as rich as the coat by pairing with a burgundy crew neck and some classic indigo jeans. Burgundy, navy and camel all complement each other beautifully and are autumnally on point.

Layering an Oxford shirt under the jumper helps create depth, especially when left untucked, with the hem and tails peaking out below the waistline.

Complete this casual get-up with some modern, minimal trainers and finish with flair by popping a pocket square in the coat’s breast pocket:

Uniqlo Men Easy Care Oxford Long Sleeve Shirt

Reiss Pilot Textured Cotton Knit Wine Berry

Collezione Luxury Italian Wool Rich Coat With Cashmere

J.crew Dog-print Wool Pocket Square

Jean Machine Jm1 Slim-leg Jeans 172810

Common Projects Men’s Navy Special Edition Achilles Sneakers

Look Two: Suiting Separates

Inject this luxurious shade into your suiting separates and take your smart-casual ensembles to the next level. A strong camel blazer set against some tailored navy trousers is a marriage made in heaven, and one sure to turn heads for all the right reasons.

A white shirt provides a neutral backdrop for the camel and navy combination to really shine, whilst a patterned knitted tie adds an on trend, tactile element.

Complete the ensemble with some chic double-monks to end the look on a metropolitan, continental note:

Premium Cotton Cut Away Shirt

Collezione Wool Rich Winter Weight Melton 2 Button Jacket

J.crew Patterned Knitted-cotton Tie

Reiss Fairline T Classic Trousers Ink

Reiss Icarus Plain Silk Pocket Square Navy

Allsaints Conduct Shoe

Look Three: Casual Camel

Of course, camel is not restricted to just outerwear and tailoring.

This season, why not invest in some camel chinos? Bringing a touch of contemporary chic to your everyday looks, try dressing them down with some of-the-moment running trainers and a washed colour tee.

A chunky shawl neck cardigan is a timeless piece that can be used as a makeshift piece of outerwear during autumn. Not only that, it juxtaposes nicely against the more modern, on trend elements within the outfit below – providing the perfect blend of classic and contemporary:

Reiss Bless Short Sleeve Basic Crew Neck T-shirt Rose

Jil Sander Shawl-neck Ribbed-knit Cardigan 169704

New Look Slim Fit Chino

New Balance 373 Trainers

Key Camel Pieces

Esprit Crew Neck Jumper

American Apparel Fine Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirt

Camel Cable-knit Cardigan

Allsaints Hexen Crew Jumper

He By Mango Straight-fit Cotton Chinos

Topman Camel Skinny Suit Trousers

Balenciaga Wool Silk And Cashmere-blend Rollneck Sweater

Long-sleeved Organic Cotton Grandad-style T-shirt

Lanvin Washed Cotton Shirt 141845

A.p.c. Camel Wool Hat

Bresciani Knee-length Fine-cotton Socks

Mark Mcnairy Contrast-sole Suede Derby Shoes

Final Word

Camel is able to bring a stylish and sophisticated edge to any ensemble, from the most casual to the strictest of formal. The colour possesses an ingrained timelessness and quickly elevates every outfit that embraces it, without fail.

This season’s key considerations may be centred on structured tailoring and outerwear, but a dose of this luxurious hue is always welcome in any fashion form.

But now it is time to hear your view:

Are you a fan of camel during autumn/winter?

Do you own any camel pieces at present?

Will you be investing in a camel coat or some camel tailoring this season?